Sanding a deck with a drum sander can be tricky. As drum sanders are heavy machines, using them on wooden decks can be a little difficult for beginners. Using it the wrong way will do nothing but damaging the deck.
Although using a floor sander is more preferable, but if you’ve got a drum sander it is also pretty much capable of a satisfactory outcome.
For using that properly you have to follow a step by step guideline. We’ve designed this article to give you a clear understanding of how the job should be done.
What type of Drum Sander You Should Use on a Deck?
Drum sanders are quite capable of removing a few inches of layers from the wood surface with such a high speed. So if you are new to this & don’t have experience with how to handle a drum sander, then a small tip drum sander would be perfect for you.
A tip drum sander has wheels which make the movement more efficient & sanding can be done on the whole deck easily & quickly.
How to Sand a Deck With a Drum Sander?
Step 1: Prepare all the equipment
Arranging all the equipment at the beginning is going to make the job easier for you. So prepare these items before you start
- Drum sander
- Sandpaper
- Cleaning cloth/Sponge
- Vacuum cleaner
- Palm sander
- Drill
- Hammer
- Bucket
Step 2:Take a Good Look at the Deck
The first thing you need to do is to make sure the surface is ready to be sand down. Give a close look at the deck. See if there’s anything that needs to be done before you start. If there’s any bump or dent on the deck, give back the old shape.
Step 3: Give it a good clean
A clean surface is a must needed requirement for sanding. You don’t want any troubles while sanding, which can only be achievable with a clean surface. So, give a proper cleaning to the deck. Remove everything that can harm the process. Remove the Old drill bits & other stuffs For a proper sanding environment.
Step 4: Choose suitable sandpaper
The most impactful step in this process is choosing the right grit for your deck. As the final outcome depends on if you are using the right one.
Now with which grit you should start sanding? You should start with as low as you can. Because the lower the grits the higher material-removing can be done. Then change the grits to the higher number. It will take your time but hey! The result is definitely going to satisfy you.
Start with 20 grit sandpaper or you can start with 60 grit sandpaper. Both will do a decent job in removing the first rough layer. Then go for higher grits. You can skip grits in between.
Step 5: Place the sander on the floor
Lower the sander by pulling the handles down. Turn on the sander gently pull down the handles. When the sander touches the floor it will
Step 6:Turn on the sander
Now as all the preparation is done, it’s time to start sanding. Turn on the sander. Let it get up to full speed. Now make the contact with the ground. Be careful in this step. Doing any silly mistake is going to cost you a lot. Don’t turn on the sander while touching the ground. There is a certain possibility it will create gouge marks on the ground.
Now it’s time to sand the corners. One disadvantage of using drum sander is you can’t sand the corners & edges with them. For that, you have to use a palm sander.
Step 7: Finish it off
Fill the cracks & scratches after you’ve finished sanding with the first sandpaper. Apply body fillers. Then start sanding again. But now with higher grits. Use 80 grit sandpaper & finish it off with 100 grit sandpaper.
Finish your job by cleaning the floor. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the wood debris. And clean the floor with a mop or sponge.
Final Thought
Be careful with your machine. Take your time & stay focused. Try to understand what we have said & get a clear understanding of the work. Have a good day & have fun at your work!